For Vietnamese professionals living abroad, relocating to Vietnam is a major decision that goes far beyond booking a flight.
You may be returning with overseas investments, planning to buy property, managing a family with various visa types, or deciding whether your children will move with you or stay abroad. Without expert guidance, it’s easy to encounter delays, confusion, or compliance issues.
This article outlines key legal and administrative areas to keep in mind as you plan your return. Backed by Manpower Vietnam’s experience, it offers a clear starting point and shows where expert guidance can ease the process.
1. Work Authorization
One of the first legal steps in returning to Vietnam is determining your right to work, especially if you hold a foreign passport. Even if you were born in Vietnam, foreign citizenship typically requires a valid work permit or exemption to work legally under Vietnamese law.
Common Scenarios Include:
You are taking up a senior position at a Vietnamese company.
You are launching a business as a founder, investor, or co-owner.
You are transferred to Vietnam by your current international employer.
Challenges:
Required documents must often be notarized and legalized in your country of residence.
Regulations vary by province and can change without much notice.
Exemptions are available in limited cases but still require formal documentation.
How our Consultants Can Help:
End-to-end management of your work permit or exemption process
Early document review to identify potential issues
Liaising with local labor departments to reduce wait times and avoid delays
2. Choosing the Right Legal Status
Professionals returning from abroad often need to clarify their long-term legal status in Vietnam, especially if they are accompanied by their spouse and children.
Considerations:
Long-term multiple-entry visas (up to 5 years) may be available depending on your background.
Temporary or permanent residence cards are ideal for those planning to live in Vietnam full-time.
Reapplying for Vietnamese citizenship is possible but may affect your current nationality.
For Families:
Non-Vietnamese spouses require dependent visas, which may not allow them to work unless separately sponsored.
Children may need specific documentation for school enrollment and health insurance coverage.
Some families may have mixed statuses, adding administrative complexity.
How our Consultants Can Help:
Provide guidance on the most appropriate legal status based on your situation
Support with visa applications and local registration for family members
Connect you with legal experts for citizenship or residency advice
3. Understanding Tax Residency and Global Income Obligations
Taxation is a key area of concern for returning professionals, especially those with income, assets, or investments outside Vietnam.
Common Questions:
Will I be taxed on my global income once I move to Vietnam?
How do I determine if I’m a tax resident?
What needs to be declared (investments, pensions, rental income, etc.)?
Risk Areas:
You may become a tax resident after staying more than 183 days in a year.
Vietnam requires global income declarations for tax residents.
Misreporting or failure to declare overseas income can lead to penalties.
How our Consultants Can Help:
Connect you with tax advisors who specialize in cross-border income
Clarify your obligations based on your intended stay and income structure
Assist with tax planning and treaty considerations where applicable
4. Real Estate and Business Investments
Many returnees want to invest in real estate or start a business upon returning to Vietnam. While the legal environment has become more open in recent years, restrictions and procedural challenges still apply.
For Real Estate:
Foreign passport holders are permitted to purchase apartments and residential properties under specific conditions.
Land ownership is not allowed, but long-term leases are an option.
Clear title, local registration, and tax codes are required.
For Business:
Business registration depends on the sector, ownership structure, and capital contribution.
Certain industries (like education, health, finance, etc.) require additional licensing.
Due diligence and legal structuring are critical to avoid future disputes.
How our Consultants Can Help:
Recommend reliable legal firms to support property purchases or business registration
Advise on regulations in your target industry or region
Provide checklists and contacts for due diligence, capital transfers, and government approvals
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5. Legal Support for Your Family
Relocating with your spouse, children, or elderly parents introduces additional legal responsibilities - from visa status to school and healthcare access.
Practical Concerns Include:
Securing the right visas for dependents
Enrolling children in local or international schools
Understanding work rights for spouses
Ensuring access to healthcare and insurance
In Complex Cases:
Multinational families may require guardianship paperwork.
Returning professionals may need to handle legal matters for elderly parents (e.g., inheritance or long-term care).
Legal recognition of partnerships or caregiving rights may differ from your country of residence.
How our Consultants Can Help:
Coordinate with legal advisors to support dependent visa, education, and healthcare access
Provide resources for relocation planning tailored to family needs
Offer support navigating local systems for multigenerational households
Final Thought: Legal Clarity Means a Smoother Return
Relocating to Vietnam comes with exciting opportunities, but also important legal steps that need careful attention. With the right consultancy, you can simplify the process, reduce risk, and ensure a smooth transition for you and your family.
Having a strong global presence, deep legal recruitment expertise, and demonstrated success in assisting professionals returning home, Manpower Vietnam is here to ensure every compliance step is handled with confidence and care.
Ready to make it in Vietnam?
Let’s talk.